What a triple-layered cake of a volume...and that’s no exaggeration! With three volumes packaged into one, you get more Rasengan for your buck. While individual volumes have their own personality, with a long-running series like Naruto, this 3-in-1 is the way to go. The reader gets to experience the story as one continuous narrative, and those those pesky cliff-hangers are (almost!) a thing of the past! 

The first third of this volume follows the tense battle between Tsunade, Jiraiya and Orochimaru. In this battle Tsunade’s will to fulfill her role as Fifth Hokage is strengthened, and she is able to let go of her painful past in order to protect the future of Konohagakure. Naruto also shines in this battle. Although he is overwhelmed by Orochimaru's and Kabuto's strength, Naruto proves his worth as a ninja.

Following this battle, Naruto returns to Konoha where Tsunade uses her medical ninjutsu to aid Sasuke’s recovery. However, Sasuke shows his gratitude in a strange way by challenging Naruto to a duel shortly after waking from his coma. Though their battle is cut short, Sasuke is able to see just how far Naruto has come while he was incapacitated in his sick bed. And he is none too pleased to be left behind in the dust….

Ultimately, Sasuke chooses revenge over friendship and flees from Konoha. Not even Sakura’s tears can sway his decision. Talk about resolve. Having recently been promoted to chūnin, Shikamaru is tasked with creating a team to pursue and “rescue” the fleeing Sasuke. Shikamaru and Choji are the stars of this mission: Shikamaru’s wit and strategy allow his team of genin to face far superior opponents, while Choji makes the ultimate sacrifice for his team.

Overall a very satisfying read! While I bit my nails to the nub during Orochimaru’s fight, it is great to see the battle’s conclusion, with a hefty dose of character development and action in between! As the story progresses towards Sasuke’s uncertain future, the reader can’t help but adopt Naruto’s optimistic attitude that everything will turn out okay. However, the Sound Four, who aid Sasuke’s departure, are some freaky new adversaries and a major cause for concern. Their curse marks grant them exceptional strength, and some big trouble is in store for the genin pursuing them...

Naruto 3-in-1 volume 7 is available now!

by Cat Rechsteiner